BRANDS TO KNOW: HEADED SOMEWEAR
HEADED SOMEWEAR
Nida is the designer behind inclusive scarf line, Headed Somewear. With scarf style names like Heartbeat, Constellation, and Skyline, each design is a thoughtful and unique representation of the versatility of womanhood and the brand’s mission to empower women from all walks of life. Nida was inspired to design for Headed Somewear while noticing the lack of representation of Muslim women in the fashion industry.
SHEER: Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you're from.
NIDA: My name is Nida and I'm the designer at Headed Somewear! I was born and raised in NJ, live in NY, and am Pakistani-American. I love writing, designing, nature, and spending time with loved ones.
SHEER: What inspired the creation of Headed Somewear and what was the launch process like?
NIDA: The creation of Headed Somewear came about when we realized just how difficult it was for women everywhere to truly feel empowered and represented. It isn't enough to be told you are enough - to feel it is a whole other thing. I began to design these scarves because I wanted women everywhere to be able to express their power, strength, and dreams even if they were the only woman in a room. For example, I majored in Mathematics and I would have LOVED if we had more women in the classroom. If I had a math scarf then, it would have meant the world to me.
The launch process is super long. It starts with an idea, to sketches to the team, to samples, to production, photoshoots, and more. Takes months sometimes and is a process that requires a lot of patience and time.
SHEER: Your relaunch campaign shots are beautiful! What's the story behind this campaign and how did you select the models?
NIDA: Thanks so much! My biggest criteria for models is women who encompass the vision. I love working with women who believe in the message of the brand.
SHEER: How do you maintain your creative vision while also managing your own business?
NIDA: It's very hard! Luckily I'm not alone. I have so many people with me who help with the brand and take on so many roles.
SHEER: What does representation mean to you and how is your brand championing this mission?
NIDA: Representation means having women go through our page and feel like they relate to someone, somewhere on our page. As a Muslim covering woman, it was often really hard to find models that looked like me. I want women everywhere to see even just a single side of them in our photos and scarves.
SHEER: Where do you draw inspiration for each scarf style?
NIDA: Honesty, I draw it from different places! Sometimes it just comes to me but it's never complete. It takes a long time to perfect and I have to sketch, resketch, work with our designers and more. It's def not easy!
SHEER: Which are your favorite scarves on the site currently?
NIDA: I think the Heartbeat Scarf is my favorite. It's our bestseller and it makes me so happy to see what it means to so many women. I'm also loving the Branches Scarf since it's fall and it's a popular item for the season.
SHEER: What advice do you have for women of color looking to challenge norms in the fashion industry?
NIDA: I'd say think of what YOU wish you could have seen when you were younger and be that person. Everything you feel is missing from our media - bring it to the table. Do the research and spend the time but it is super important.
SHEER: What do you envision for the future of Headed Somewear?
NIDA: So much!! We have so many exciting things planned like new collections, photoshoots, campaigns and more. We post on our Instagram first so def give us a follow!
